Page 21 of Breathe Again

“I don’t want to go to the house, I want to go back to my apartment,” I protested. And I didn’t want all those people coming over, I wanted to add, but bit my lip to keep from saying it.

Cole made sure I was safely in the passenger seat and buckled before walking around to the driver’s side and climbing in.

“If that’s what you need, that’s where we’ll go. If you want me to leave and have Clara or Lily or someone come stay with you instead, just tell me. Whatever you need,” he said, but I could feel the tension weighing down on him.

“Are you being nice to me because you thought I was going to die?” I asked him.

“Yes,” he whispered as he pulled the truck in gear and drove me home.

My parents, Lily, and Clara arrived at my place just behind us. I knew they would, though I expected more than just the four of them. It didn’t even give me time to ask Cole if he was okay to stay the night. For some reason, it didn’t make me nervous to have him here, just the asking him to stay part. There was a chance he’d say no, and I wasn’t sure my heart could handle that.

Mom hugged me tight and she and Clara both fussed over me. Lily just smiled a lot, like we were in on some top-secret mission together. I supposed in a way, we were. She was the only one I’d even somewhat confided in about Cole.

Dad took Cole to the side, but while the ladies continued to talk, I tuned them out and listened to the men.

“How long have you known?” Cole asked him.

My dad smiled sympathetically. “Since Jason called me the night after you first arrived in my territory, little more than a pup. You’d called him that night and told him you thought you’d found your true mate, but she hadn’t even shifted yet so we had assumed it wasn’t possible.”

“And when did you change your mind about that?” Cole demanded.

“The second I saw the two of you together at the dinner table. I must say I was a bit surprised, yet it all made so much sense, too. I was a fool for keeping you away from her. I’m sorry,” my father told him. I didn’t know what he meant.

“The next summer, when I found myself in Texas?” Cole guessed.

Dad nodded. “I’m afraid that was at my request. If I could take it back, I would. You have no idea.”

Cole nodded. He looked sad and a little frustrated, but I could feel his emotions were in check and he wasn’t angry. “I think there’s a lot of things we all would’ve done differently in hindsight.”

“Standing by her side tonight like that might as well have been a declaration, son. Is that what you want?”

Cole shrugged. “I don’t really know, sir. It’s been an emotional day. I’m just trying to process it all. We have a lot still unresolved, so I guess we’ll see.”

“Okay,” Dad said, offering Cole his hand to shake.

“I’m going to run home and grab a suitcase. I’ll stay with you tonight,” Mom said, jarring me back to the women surrounding me.

“What?” I asked.

“Elizabeth,” she scolded. “Didn’t you hear a word I said. I’m running home to pick up a few things. Lily and Clara will stay with you until I return, and I’ll plan to stay tonight and tomorrow, and for however long after that you need me. I won’t be long,” Mom said.

“No,” I told her.

She stared at me like I had two heads. “What did you say?”

“I said no. You have a lot to do to prepare for the celebration. I won’t be a burden.”

“You could never be a burden. Cole’s already staying in your old room, or I’d tell you to just come home with us. Still, you need to be comfortable, so here’s probably best. I won’t be long.”

“Mom, I don’t need you here. Go home,” I said defiantly.

Lily snorted, trying not to laugh. Clara’s eyes were bugging out of her head. It had been a long time since I’d stood up to my mother or demanded anything for myself.

“Cora,” my dad said. “Say goodbye, we’re leaving.”

“But, Zach, you heard Brad, she shouldn’t be left alone tonight with those drugs he gave her.”

“And she won’t be. I promise you, she’s in good hands. Lily, Clara, let’s go,” he added.

---